Posts tagged Booster Gold

Part 2 of 3 in my gigantic pile of comics this week. (Part 1, the Marvel Edition can be found here.) I was surprised to find that this was all I had in the ways of DC comics. I’ve been consistently dropping books from the company as of late. I’m just not really digging what they’re putting out aside from the Green Lantern stuff. Oh well, it’ll all end soon for me anyway.

Action Comics #869 – This issue really got some things moving while seemingly not doing all that much. The real Brainiac dukes it out with Superman in deep space while his droids terrorize the people in Metropolis and Supergirl loses it. The end of the issue is actually pretty depressing because of where things end up. What a downer! Recent solicitations for the big upcoming arc sort of give away what’s going to happen though so that sucks. I’m probably going to be dropping the book after this arc wraps up though. I’m not interested in Supergirl or the other Superman book. I might take a look at the trade though. Speaking of Supergirl, I usually dig Gary Frank’s art, but this issue had some of the funkiest and distorted images of Kara Zor-El ever.Rating:

All Star Superman #12 – This issue wrapped up this series by Grant Morrison and drawn by Frank Quitely. Apparently every single person in the entire world that read it loved it. While I dug the story, I can’t really remember the events that led up to this. The book’s spotty delivery schedule has caused me to forget a lot of it. I got the jist I think and the end of the book was actually really good. I’m going to have to go back and re-read them all now. The one thing that I didn’t like, about this issue and the series in general, was the art. I’ve never been a fan of Quitely’s art and I honestly don’t see how anyone can be. Everyone looks like they either just smelled shit or they’re about to drop a big deuce. Not to mention the fact that everyone looks all wiggly like the very ground they’re standing on is constantly vibrating. Aside from the art, which wasn’t nearly as bad as that X-Factor fiasco, it was really good.Rating:

Booster Gold #12 – This book has just lost it’s shine since Geoff Johns left. Granted, it’s only been two issues, but these have just felt entirely too silly and uneventful. The previous arcs felt like they meant something or at the very least mattered. This arc has just felt like a filler throwaway story and totally not what interested me about the first 10 / 12 issues. It seems like they’re trying to get Booster Gold back to the ridiculous and stupid stories that he used to be involved in years ago. No thanks. Sorry Booster, but you’re among the first to go from my pull list in the great Comics Removal of 2008.Rating:

Green Lantern #34 – Just when I thought this arc was over, it continues! In what is turning into the longest origin re-telling ever, Geoff Johns continues his story of Hal Jordan’s first days as a Green Lantern. Ok, Sinestro and Hal take care of that big red alien thing. Hal gets some closure and the guy that will eventually become Black Hand disappears. Now they’re called to Oa for some nonsense? C’mon! Get on with it so we can see some more Red Lanterns and get to Blackest Night!Rating:

Green Lantern Corps #28 – I think I’m about ready to let this book go. I clung on to it because I love the whole Green Lantern mythos lately, but I don’t see where else it can go until the next big GL event. This issue wrapped up a quick arc looking at yet another Sinestro Corps member killing off family members of rookie Green Lanterns. Problem solved. Issue ends. We get it. There’s a war now. The Green Lanterns have a horrible and ruthless villain in the Sinestro Corps. Let’s do some more with these characters already! You’ve got a plethora of possibilities here and they’re being squandered hunting Sinestro Corps rings with the same 4-6 people.Rating:

Here are my thoughts on the comics I picked up this week. Please note, some of these will probably come off as retarded to some people so consider yourself warned. I dropped all things Final Crisis from my pull list after last week. I’m done with that event and I’m practically done with DC altogether.

100 Bullets #94 – Holding off on this one until the series ends. I think I’m going to drop the book and just pick up the last trade when it comes out. No sense in me shilling out the $3 a month for it if it’s just going in a box for now.

Action Comics #868 – Geoff Johns’ look at Brainiac continues. I’m loving the “horror story” vibe that this story is giving off. Brainiac is essentially the Kryptonian Boogieman. Children are terrified of him and rightly so. Now he’s found Earth and his drones are descending on it to destroy the planet while Superman is away. Action, Adventure, Drama. I’m digging this book.Rating:

Amazing Spider-Man #567 – The conclusion to the arc featuring a new lady Kraven. This issue wrapped up the arc pretty well and definitely left things with a lot of room to grow. I loved the “twist” of adding Peter’s roommate Vin to the mix. I didn’t really care for the way Peter’s face looked in the Daredevil costume though. It looked too open and just weird. Again, I don’t remember why Vermin is alive because I could have sworn he was dead. Although maybe that’s a result of the whole “Brand New Day” thing. Speaking of, I just noticed that that header is no longer on the top of the comic. Bout damn time. Next issue picks up the “New Ways to Die” arc featuring Venom and Green Goblin. I’m really looking forward to that.Rating:

Angel After The Fall #11 – I’m pretty sure this is the penultimate issue so at least I’ve got that going for me. This issue actually gave us a lot of information about what Gunn’s been up to and why he’s been doing what he’s been doing. I can’t tell if it’s the vampire part of him or if he’s just been driven insane by the events in Los Angeles. This issue felt like it flowed a bit better with some dialog that was closer to the spirit of the Buffyverse, especially the interaction with Spike and the others. I seriously have no idea what’s going on in the last page. If it was a cliffhanger I think it failed because I don’t see what’s going on. This could probably be due to the horrendous art. The second to last page seriously looked like something out of a crumbled up old Peanuts comic. Seriously go check it out. Gwen looks like fucking Charlie Brown with a wig on. I don’t understand how the art could be so piss poor in this book. You’d think that with the attention that is undoubtedly on this book that they’d at least spring for a halfway decent artist. Ugh.Rating:

Astonishing X-Men #26 – The second issue of Warren Ellis’ run on this book. While I’m a big fan of Ellis’ work, this one just isn’t up to par for me just yet. There’s some interesting theories popping around and I’m liking what he’s done with the characters so far. Cyclops has changed, or as he puts it, grown up. The X-Men have to face the fact that mutants are literally an endangered species now. If they hope to survive, they’re going to have to resort to drastic measures like kill or be killed. Cyclops mentions that both he and Storm have killed before, but I don’t recall whom or when. If anyone can fill me in, please do.Rating:

Batman #679 – Part 4 (or is it 5?) of Grant Morrison’s “Batman R.I.P.” storyline. I feel like I have to go back to the beginning of Morrison’s run and re-read the whole thing because I’m starting to get lost in this. There’s a whole lot of jumping around and Batman’s in a weird purple costume and he’s a schizophrenic hobo now. Sure. It’s Grant Morrison. Go with it, right? Eh. I’m starting to lose faith in the man. The re-introduction of Batman’s arch-rival certainly gives me hope for the next couple issues though. I loved what Morrison did with the Joker so I’m looking forward to when he actually gets to use him.Rating:

Booster Gold #11 – When I heard that Geoff Johns was leaving this book, I was ready to drop it on the spot. Chuck Dixon is filling in for a quick 2 issue arc before someone else takes over the book. Booster is sent to fix a time hole created by a backwards time traveler and an encounter with Batman and crew. He just doesn’t know how to fix it just right. This issue was not nearly as good as the previous arcs. It felt a little hokey and just small time. Johns’ run was almost epic, but on a scale that someone like Booster Gold could still take on. I think I’m going to give this book two more issues (one to end Dixon’s arc and then one more for the new guy) before I make my final decision though. If they’re anything like this though, I’ll be dropping it.Rating:

Fantastic Four #559 – I considered dropping this book because while it’s written by Mark Millar, it got a little out there with the first arc. This issue convinced me otherwise though. I just want to know more. Is the Earth really doomed to be destroyed within 30 years? Why is the Hulk leading a strange group of super villains to capture Johnny Storm and Dr. Doom? And is that who I think it is at the end there? Holy shit. How can I not read the next issue now? The art is the only thing that I’m a little iffy on with this book now. While Brian Hitch’s earlier issues seemed a bit more detailed, this one seems almost sketchy with some things definitely looking unfinished. I feel like the art in a book like Fantastic Four should be crisp and clean and that’s not the case here.Rating:

Green Lantern Corps #27 – I think I’m going to stick it out with this book. I just love the Green Lanterns now. This issue starts up a new arc with someone brutally killing the families of several Corps members, mostly rookies. I don’t recognize the face at the end of the book, but it is most likely a member of the Sinestro Corps. The hunt should be on in the next issue. Oh, and Mongul’s not dead? Sure.Rating:

The Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe (One Shot – Reprint) – I think I red this issue awhile back. Essentially it’s a sort of “What If…?” story where Frank Castle’s family is killed not by criminals but as a result of a battle between super powered individuals. Castle freaks out and kills some of them, then he’s recruited to kill them all, hence the title. It’s an interesting little story that shows what can happen if things go too far. You can also see how this issue could have planted the seed for Garth Ennis’ The Boys later on as it deals with a lot of the same themes (ie: policing super heroes). Not a bad read.Rating:

Secret Invasion #5 – OK. Let’s get on with it already. The Skrulls have invaded. Some shit went down and then I feel like I’ve been hanging around waiting. It’s like the wind was knocked out of me and I’m just waiting to get it back. Now it looks as if that will happen with the NEXT issue. Thanks? Issue 6 of 8 is when things are going to heat up? Is Bendis taking lessons from Grant Morrison and Final Crisis? This issue also showed us that seemingly all the heroes on the Savage Land ship were indeed Skrulls thanks to some nifty super gun that Reed Richards invented on the spot. That’s pretty disappointing because one of the really intriguing parts of the first issue was that ambiguity of those long lost heroes. Even if one of them was the real deal, even f’ing Mockingbird, it would have made it worthwhile and caused so much more drama. Instead it felt like a publicity stunt. It was just a flash in the pan. I’ve still got hope for this, but I’m a little let down. Let’s wrap this up, Bendis. This better not be another House of M.Rating:

Secret Invasion Inhumans #1 – I feel like the Inhumans haven’t really gotten enough play. Sure they basically isolate themselves away from Earth on the moon, but they’re just so interesting up there. There’s got to be more drama, no? Thankfully with the proof that Black Bolt was really a Skrull (for who knows how long) there’s some hope yet. Medusa and Crystal set out to find their true king while Black Bolt’s brother causes some mischief as usual. It would be a safe bet that he’s a Skrull, but I feel that might be too obvious. I think I’m going to stick with it for this mini-series, unlike Front Line and Fantastic Four.Rating:

Secret Invasion Runaways Young Avengers #2 – Since I love both teams involved with this story, I’m definitely sticking with it. (I also like that Marvel kept most of these tie-in mini-series short, between 3 and 4 issues, with Front Line being the exception at 5. Makes it a bit easier to swallow.) This issue moves things along pretty quickly as both groups are confronted by even more Skrulls. I like that this mini-series is addressing some of the factions within the Skrull religion that Bendis has mentioned in interviews, but has yet to address in his books. Here we see a group of extremists hellbent on removing the prodigal son of their former queen, Young Avenger Hulkling. Next issue wraps this one up.Rating:

Secret Invasion X-Men #1 – So apparently with all the planning and preparation that the Skrulls did for this invasion, they forgot to check in on one of the most powerful super teams in the Marvel Universe. I guess they didn’t get that change of address form that the X-Men sent out when they moved to San Francisco because they were surprised to see the mutant team there to stop them from taking over the land of Rice-A-Roni. I find this incredibly hard to believe. Does this mean that there’s not one Skrull among the mutants? It seems to be a safe bet. If one is revealed, this entire issue won’t make a bit of sense. As a result, I’m probably going to skip this mini-series. It definitely seems like it’ll be easily forgotten about and not really matter to the big picture anyway.Rating:

Walking Dead #51 – I think this is the only comic that I actually fear reading each month. After the last arc where writer Robert Kirkman essentially proved that literally no one is safe, I read the book by peaking through my fingers at times. This issue was heart-breaking. I thought things looked a little odd when the phone first “rang” but I didn’t think anything of it. Then BAM, I’m hit with that doozy. What a book. Also, in reading this issue I got to thinking about just how old Rick’s son Carl is. He’s got to be like 10 at the most, right? Throughout all this he’s got to be pretty mature for his age by now though, especially since he basically has to take care of his Dad now. Oh man. I can’t even imagine what could happen next with this book.Rating:

Welcome To Hoxford #1 – This was the first issue of Ben Templesmith’s new series. He wrote and drew this book and man, was it creepy. I’ve been a fan of Templesmith’s art in Fell and this is very similar. There’s this underlying creepy-ness factor that runs throughout the entire issue. I also feel like it’s got an almost dreamlike aura about it. The colors blend together and people’s faces can stretch and contort into weird shapes and it would be natural here. Hoxford is a new privately-owned maximum security prison / rehabilitation center. A group of inmates on death row are transferred there and they are definitely an interesting (re: insane) bunch. It seems that the guards and the warden are just as strange though. The book is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of Fell. I feel like it’s a bizarre and twisted version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and I love it.Rating:

100 Bullets #93 – Not going to read until issue #100 (the last issue) comes out. I haven’t read the past few issues as the story got a little confusing and there were a few delays so I’m better off waiting until everything’s wrapped up and then reading the whole saga in one shot. I need to pick up a couple of the trades and then I’ll have the whole series. I’ve really liked the story so far though so I’m looking forward to reading the entire thing.

Action Comics #867 – The second chapter in Geoff Johns’ look at Brainiac, this issue has Superman looking for the actual being and not the many, many replicas that he’s battled over the years. I really dug how Johns sort of re-created the idea of Brainiac as something that Kryptonian parents told their kids to scare them. He’s like the Kryptonian Boogieman. Gary Frank’s art really fits the story too. There’s something a little eerie about it, like something’s just not right. That’s perfect for the story of the horrors that Brainiac has committed over the years.Rating:

Amazing Spider-Man #565 – First issue of a new arc featuring a brand new Kraven. While I was very hesitant about the series after the One More Day arc, I’ve really enjoyed the direction that the book has taken. Shipping three times a month has made me really like each story a lot more. I still miss the idea of a happily married Peter Parker, but the creators have added so many great characters that the withdrawal isn’t too bad. This issue features a fantastic cliffhanger and thankfully I only have to wait a few days before getting the new issue! My only concern with this book is whether or not they’ll be able to keep up with all these new characters and stories. I’m sure a lot of things will come to a head at once. I have faith now.Rating:

Booster Gold #1000000 – Best issue of the week so far. I’ve absolutely loved this series and I’ve really grown to love Booster Gold as a character. I’ve also figured out that if it wasn’t for Geoff Johns, I probably wouldn’t be reading any DC books right now. Johns has turned this pathetic D-level character into quite possibly one of the most important characters in all of the DC Universe. This issue capped off Johns’ run on the series with a look at the future of Booster Gold and his legacy. The bitter irony of Booster is that history will never know what he’s really done for it. He’ll always be known as this loser seeking publicity and only a very small number of people will know the truth. Johns did a great job with this issue as he tied up a few loose ends with his run as well as leaving us with enough to stay interested in the series to come. One particular little tidbit that I won’t spoil here had me in awe of the book. Fantastic.Rating:

Captain America White #0 – I’m a fan of the previous work of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale such as Spider-Man: Blue so this was a welcome addition. I’ll get to the story in a sec. The real treat here is the art. Tim Sale has really outdone himself with this issue. The art is perfect for the time period and creates this framed picture of nostalgia. Steve Rogers is perfect as this by-the-book soldier. You can practically see the starch in his uniform keeping him perfectly straight. Meanwhile, Bucky is the perfect tag-along showing Steve what he can do to enjoy his powers a bit more. Loeb’s story worked with with Sale’s art (as usual) as he redesigns the first meeting between Captain America and Bucky. I’m not sure if this issue’s content will be included in issue #1, but it’s a nice primer for the upcoming mini-series. There’s also some interviews with the creators in the back of the issue that will most likely not be included in issue #1, so this issue is worth checking out.Rating:

Detective Comics #846 – This book has been on the edge for me for some time. I loved Paul Dini’s work on Batman: The Animated Series so I was quick to embrace these issues he’s written. They started out fun but quickly turned mediocre. This issue kicked off a 5 part arc featuring Hush, so I gave it one last chance to make up for the average issues. And now I’m removing this from my pull list. I just don’t care enough about what’s going on here and the events are just not that exciting. I’m going to stick with Grant Morrison’s Batman for my Caped Crusader fix. Sorry Paul.Rating:

Final Crisis Requiem #1 – This issue basically amounted to a eulogy for the Martian Manhunter. If you’re new to the current Crisis, Jonn J’onzz was killed off with the first issue of Final Crisis. I can’t say I was too saddened by his demise because he’s never really been a character I’ve cared too much for. That being said, I liked this issue’s send off for the guy. All the heroes joined together on Mars to give him a proper funeral. It’s tough to read this without thinking of all the horrible things that are soon to come for these heroes. This was just the beginning.Rating:

Guardians Of Galaxy #3 – I’m continually surprised by how much I’m enjoying Marvel’s space adventure books. Beginning with Annihilation, I’ve been totally wrapped up in these stories. This book has become my favorite, knocking Nova down to a close second. The dysfunctional team finds themselves under attack from Cardinals from the Universal Church of Truth while their home base is witness to a battle between newcomers Major Victory and Starhawk. I don’t know the history of the original Guardians of the Galaxy, so I’m not up to speed on how important those names are, but I’m enjoying it nonetheless. The next issue is a Secret Invasion tie-in too, so let’s hope that doesn’t distract from the ongoing story too much.Rating:

Invincible Iron Man #3 – Matt Fraction has exploded within my comic pull list. I didn’t know who this guy was a year ago and now I’m buying up anything with his name on it. This issue continues with Stane’s quest to destroy Iron Man. Tony Stark faces some hard times as Pepper Potts is seriously injured in an attack from Stane. Shades of the Iron Man movie come in as the only thing that can save her life is an electromagnet like Tony had built to keep the shrapnel away from his heart. Another great cliffhanger leaves me highly anticipating the next issue.Rating:

Justice Society Of America #17 – The third Geoff Johns book this week. This issue is the next chapter in the One World Under Gog arc. I’m amazed at how Johns is able to successfully juggle the many characters in this book while keeping the story moving and interesting. This issue gives us just a bit more information on what Gog is doing and really sets up the rest of the arc. This was another book that I didn’t really care about until Geoff Johns started writing it. Great issue.Rating:

Nova #15 – While I’m not digging this book as much as Guardians, I’m still really liking it. This issue concludes the arc with Galactus and Harrow as Nova finds a way off of the planet sitting on Galactus’ plate, but at what cost? Nova finds himself without his partner, the Worldmind and for the first time he’s missing him. The Worldmind has been a huge part of this series, so I really hope it makes it’s return. After all, it would be needed if the Nova Corps is ever to be relaunched. As with Guardians, the next issue is a tie-in to Secret Invasion.Rating:

Secret Invasion #4 – Brian Michael Bendis’ alien invasion story continues. This issue gives us a peek at the Skrull point of view as they torture Reed Richards. Nick Fury’s back and more badass than ever, but there’s a Norseman on the horizon and the White Solider is about to join the battle. I feel like these first three issues have really been set up for the rest of the arc and it’s all coming to a head. I’m really loving this event.Rating:

Transformers All Hail Megatron #1 – I don’t usually buy the Transformers comics as they usually pale in comparison to the original TV show. I made an exception for this one because the concept was too good to pass up. This series is looking at a future with Megatron as the almighty dictator of the planet Earth. What happened to Optimus Prime? Why aren’t the Autobots stopping him? These questions aren’t answered in this issue. Instead we’ve got a book full of terror and mayhem as the Decepticons show up on Earth and wreak havoc with not one “Roll Out” being uttered. I’ll probably pick up the next issue, but I have to say that I’m a little disappointed with this issue. I guess I was expecting a bit more story with this first issue. The $3.99 price tag didn’t help ease the pain either.Rating:

Ultimate Origins #2 – While I understand the idea of this mini-series being an Origin story, I feel like it’s lacking a little bit. Since Marvel seems to be trying to defend the idea that the Ultimate Universe is totally different than the regular 616 Universe, I feel like they’re using this mini-series and the upcoming Ultimatum to just shake things up as much as they can. This issue took a look at the origin of Captain America, but it felt pretty light. Bendis gave us a decent look at the mentality of Steve Rogers as he went in for the procedure, but aside from that we didn’t have much else to go on.Rating: